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It’s normal for babies to put everything in their mouths. Even if something seems totally unappealing for us, such as paper, it may very well be the most delicious thing your baby has ever tasted.
So, what should you do if your baby ate paper? Well, the good news is that paper isn’t toxic in most cases, so you don’t have to worry about your baby having any serious health consequences.
In this post, I’ll go over if and when you should be worried if your baby ate paper, what you should do and the reasons why your baby is eating paper.
Should I Be Worried If My Baby Ate Paper?
Yes, you may need to be worried, depending on what kind of paper your baby ate. If the paper is coated with anything toxic or contains chemicals, you might need to contact a doctor immediately.
If your baby has swallowed paper with ink, and the ink is non-toxic, you don’t need to worry much. However, since we often don’t know the ingredients of the ink used in the paper, we can’t be sure that your little one will be fine.
But if the paper is just plain paper, then your baby should be fine.
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Nonetheless, in most cases, babies only swallow a small amount of paper as it’s not tasty or appealing. The chemicals, ink, or toxic parts of paper may only become an issue if they are consumed in large amounts.
So, take a deep breath and relax – chances are, that piece of paper will pass through your baby’s digestive system. But if you’re still concerned, it can’t hurt to contact a doctor for some advice.
What you should worry about more is if he chokes on it! If your little one doesn’t have a gagging or choking episode, he should be fine.
In any case, better safe than sorry. So keep an eye out for signs of discomfort or illness, even if they seem unrelated to the paper. If anything does seem off, definitely call a doctor right away!
What Do I Do If My Baby Ate Paper?
First of all, Don’t panic! Most of the time, a baby won’t suffer any bad effects from eating paper. If you see your baby with a piece of paper in his mouth, here’s what you should do.
Remove The Paper As Quickly And Gently As Possible
Again, don’t panic. If you can see the paper in your baby’s mouth, then that means it hasn’t gone down the throat. Your baby should be able to spit it out on its own.
If your baby can’t spit it out on their own, do your best to carefully remove the paper from their mouth without causing them any harm.
If you overreact, your baby may become scared and swallow the paper without you knowing. So, be calm when you intervene.
Keep An Eye For Any Symptoms Of Distress Or Discomfort
If your baby has ingested a small piece of paper and has no immediate responses, it is time for you to wait and observe.
Most of the time, your baby will be just fine. But sometimes, he will have some digestive symptoms, such as vomiting or abdominal pain. If this happens, you should take your baby to the doctor immediately.
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Some babies may even have allergic reactions to the chemicals in the paper, so if you notice any signs of skin rashes, dizziness, trouble breathing, or changes in behavior, take your baby to a medical professional immediately.
Observe choking hazards, too — if the paper is big enough, it could make your baby choke. In this case, you should seek immediate medical help as well.
Until then, you should perform choking first aid on your baby, as explained in this MedlinePlus Tutorial.
Make Your Home Baby-Proof
Last but not least, always make sure that your home is a safe environment for your baby. The paper may be made of non-toxic materials, but it still doesn’t mean it is safe for your baby.
So, be sure to install child safety locks on cabinets and drawers, as well as gates and other barriers, to ensure that your baby does not come into contact with paper or any other potentially dangerous item.
And speaking of safety, remember to store the paper away from your baby’s reach and make sure that you dispose of it properly when it’s no longer needed.
After all, you don’t want your baby turning into a paper mache sculpture!
Why Does My Baby Eat Paper?
Babies are mysterious creatures, but one thing is for sure: they love to put things in their mouths! That includes paper, sadly.
So, it is essential to know why your baby is behaving this way so that you can prevent it and keep your baby safe. Here are the few most likely explanations.
Teething
Teething is a normal part of development for babies, and it can be very uncomfortable for them during this time.
As they try to soothe the discomfort, many babies might find themselves chewing on paper or other objects that are easily accessible.
To help soothe their sore gums, you can give them a safe teething toy to chew on instead.
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Hungry
Babies who have missed a meal or snack may resort to eating paper out of hunger as they attempt to satisfy their growling tummies when food isn’t readily available.
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In this case, it’s best to give them a healthy snack often and make sure they stick to regular eating schedules.
Boredom
If your baby doesn’t have anything else to do or explore, he or she may turn to munching on paper as a way to keep occupied and entertained.
To avoid this, provide plenty of stimulating and age-appropriate toys for your baby to explore.
Curiosity
Paper is often easily within reach, and its texture can be quite tempting for young children.
They may be curious about what it tastes like, and this curiosity could lead them to put pieces of paper in their mouths and eventually consume it.
Keep any paper items like newspapers or books out of your baby’s reach to prevent this from happening.
Pica
For some babies, eating non-food items such as paper can signify a disorder known as Pica which involves the craving for substances such as dirt, clay, soap, or chalk that have no nutritional value.
If your baby has been consistently eating non-food items such as paper, you should consider consulting a doctor about possible treatments for pica syndrome.
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Bottom Line
Eating paper can be a dangerous and unhealthy behavior for babies, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions to prevent them from doing so.
Keeping paper items out of reach, monitoring their eating habits, and consulting a doctor if needed can help ensure your baby stays safe and healthy.
Most babies explore their world with their mouth and enjoy chomping when they are teething. Consider giving your child a safe alternative to chew on. An easy grab teething rattle and blanket with ribbons sewn in were two of my daughter’s favourites.
FAQs
Baby Ate Paper With Ink – Should I Be Worried?
Yes if you baby
If your baby has consumed a lot of paper with ink, such as a a napkin or a coloured paper from a book, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. In particular, if the paper was printed using lead-based inks, it can be hazardous.
Can A Baby Get Sick From Eating Paper?
Most of the time, eating paper won’t make a baby sick (especially if it is a blank paper), but it is still important to be aware of the risks. Overeating paper can lead to choking, blockages, and other health complications.
Additionally, if the paper has been exposed to any chemicals like lead or bacteria, it could also make your baby sick. So, if you have any doubts about the safety of the paper your baby has ingested, please talk to your doctor right away.